New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo attends Madison Square Garden’s announcement of Billy Joel as its first-ever music franchise on Tuesday.

When musician Billy Joel performed at New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s birthday fundraiser Tuesday night, he couldn’t resist teasing the governor about the culture of the state’s capital.

Mr. Joel sang a parody song called “Albany,” to the tune of his 1978 hit “Honesty,” according to a guest at the event, substituting lyrics that gently mocked Mr. Cuomo’s professional home base as well as the governor’s tradition of throwing himself lucrative annual birthday fundraisers.

Billy Joel will soon join the Knicks, the Rangers and the New York Liberty as Madison Square Garden’s fourth franchise. At a news conference Tuesday, the 64-year-old singer said that he will play the venue once a month, starting Jan. 27, as long as fans buy tickets.

“Playing Madison Square Garden is an experience that never gets old,” the Long Island native said to a crowd that included Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “Since my first show in 1978, I’ve always looked forward to the energy of the crowd.”

Such artist residencies are popular in Las Vegas, where Celine Dion and Elton John have set up shop. Later this month, Britney Spears will be joining them. Read More »